Burst Stimulation Pattern for Sacral Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sacral neuromodulation treatments for overactive bladder and chronic non-obstructive urinary retention often have limited long-term efficacy due to conventional stimulation patterns using low-frequency electrical pulses, which do not adequately address the dysfunctional autonomic nervous system.
Innovation Solution
Applying a burst stimulation pattern with high-frequency electrical pulses, specifically targeting the sacral and pelvic plexus, characterized by groups of pulses with intraburst frequencies of 500 to 1000 Hz and interburst frequencies between 10 to 100 Hz, to enhance bladder and urethral pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional low-frequency stimulation patterns (14-16 Hz) are used for sacral neuromodulation, then the treatment is simple to implement and maintain, but the long-term efficacy is limited and success rates decrease over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using burst stimulation patterns where groups of high-frequency pulses (intraburst frequency 2-250 Hz) are delivered in bursts separated by interburst intervals (frequency 0.1-100 Hz). This periodic modulation of the stimulation pattern enhances neuromodulation efficacy compared to continuous low-frequency stimulation, addressing the limited long-term effectiveness while maintaining a manageable device complexity through programmable pulse sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling adjustable stimulation parameters including variable intraburst frequencies (2-250 Hz), variable interburst frequencies (0.1-100 Hz), and configurable pulse widths (50-5000 μs). This dynamic parameter adjustment allows optimization of therapeutic effect over time and adaptation to changing patient needs, thereby improving long-term reliability without requiring complex hardware changes.
2Reliability
If high-frequency burst stimulation patterns (intraburst 500-1000 Hz, interburst 10-100 Hz) are applied to enhance bladder and urethral pressures, then the therapeutic effectiveness is significantly improved, but the energy consumption and stimulation intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The burst stimulation pattern uses periodic action to deliver high-frequency pulses in concentrated bursts followed by intervals of reduced or zero stimulation. The interburst frequency (0.1-100 Hz) creates gaps between bursts, allowing energy conservation during intervals while maintaining high intraburst frequencies (500-1000 Hz) only when needed for therapeutic effect, thus improving effectiveness without proportionally increasing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous delivery of burst patterns ensures sustained neuromodulation effect on the sacral plexus and pelvic plexus, maintaining therapeutic pressure enhancement on the bladder and urethra. The overlapping bursts and adjustable parameters ensure that useful therapeutic action continues without interruption, optimizing energy utilization by maintaining efficacy while allowing rest periods during interburst intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses methods of ensuring pelvic health and/or treating a disease or disorder characterized by a dysfunctional autonomous nervous system in a subject with neuromodulation. The methods are characterized by the application of a burst stimulation pattern comprising a plurality of groups of electric pulses of high frequencies to the subject.